Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has embarked on a mission to El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported to the country last month. Van Hollen's journey, which began on April 16, 2025, follows the Trump administration's controversial decision to send Abrego Garcia to a notorious prison despite a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the deportation illegal.
Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old father of three, had lived in the United States for 14 years after fleeing gang violence in El Salvador as a teenager. He was deported in March 2025, a move that has drawn widespread criticism and raised serious questions about the legality of his removal. "This is a person who is here legally. He has never been even charged in a criminal case. He’s never been convicted in a criminal case," Van Hollen stated, emphasizing the injustice of the situation.
During his visit, Van Hollen expressed his determination to check on Abrego Garcia's well-being, meet with Salvadoran officials, and advocate for his return. Speaking to reporters at the airport before his departure, he described Abrego Garcia's situation as a "nightmare" and vowed to fight for his return until he is released. "My overall purpose here is to send a signal that we are not going to stop fighting for his return until he is actually released," he stated.
Upon arriving in San Salvador, Van Hollen met with Vice President Félix Ulloa but was denied access to Abrego Garcia or the prison where he is being held. Ulloa reportedly stated that the Salvadoran government could not facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, echoing claims made by President Nayib Bukele during a recent meeting with President Donald Trump. Bukele had labeled the idea of returning Abrego Garcia as "preposterous," asserting that he lacked the authority to smuggle a terrorist into the United States.
Despite these challenges, Van Hollen remained resolute. "I’m not asking him to smuggle Mr. Abrego Garcia into the United States. I’m simply asking him to open the door of CECOT and let this innocent man walk out," he said, referring to the prison where Abrego Garcia is currently detained. The prison, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), is infamous for its harsh conditions and overcrowding.
The backdrop to Van Hollen's visit is a broader legal and political battle involving the Trump administration's immigration policies. The Supreme Court had ruled on April 10, 2025, that Abrego Garcia was subject to a withholding order forbidding his removal to El Salvador, thus rendering the deportation illegal. However, the Trump administration has been accused of ignoring this ruling and failing to facilitate his return.
In a recent court ruling, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis found probable cause that the Trump administration acted in contempt of court by defying the order to return Abrego Garcia. Judge Xinis criticized the government's lack of action, stating, "There will be no tolerance for gamesmanship or grandstanding." She emphasized the importance of adhering to court orders, especially in cases involving individuals who have been wrongfully detained.
Abrego Garcia's legal troubles began in 2019 when he was arrested by county police and later detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the belief that he was a member of the MS-13 gang. However, his attorneys argue that he has never been charged with any crime and that the evidence against him is flimsy at best. Van Hollen has pointed out that the accusations against Abrego Garcia stem from a confidential informant's uncorroborated claims and his choice of clothing, which included a Chicago Bulls hat.
In addition to Van Hollen's efforts, other Democratic lawmakers have voiced their concerns about Abrego Garcia's situation. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) described the case as a "constitutional crisis," highlighting the implications of the Trump administration's actions on the rule of law and due process. He, along with other members of Congress, is pushing for a congressional delegation to visit El Salvador and investigate Abrego Garcia's condition further.
The Trump administration has defended its actions, with officials labeling Abrego Garcia as a "terrorist" and a member of a gang. However, critics argue that this characterization is unfounded and serves to justify the administration's controversial deportation practices.
As the legal battle continues, the situation remains precarious for Abrego Garcia and his family. His wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, has been vocal about her concerns for his safety and well-being, especially given the dangerous conditions in CECOT. Abrego Garcia's mother, Cecilia, expressed her heartache, stating, "This year I had to celebrate my birthday fighting in court for my son, Kilmar. My greatest wish is for him to come home, so these important family celebrations are filled with love and laughter, instead of heartache."
As Van Hollen continues his advocacy in El Salvador, he aims to shine a light on the injustices faced by Abrego Garcia and others like him. He has promised to keep fighting for their return, stating, "This is an unsustainable and unjust moment. We are going to keep fighting because this is a miscarriage of justice." The outcome of this case could have significant implications for U.S. immigration policy and the treatment of deported individuals.
